spermatophorát

A spermatophore is a capsule or mass containing sperm produced by the male of various animal species, particularly invertebrates and some vertebrates. It is transferred to the female's reproductive tract during mating. This method of sperm transfer is a form of indirect fertilization, meaning the sperm are not deposited directly from the male's body into the female's.

The structure and composition of spermatophores vary widely across different taxa. They can range from simple packets of sperm to complex structures that may contain nutritive material for the female or be used in courtship rituals. Some spermatophores are also designed to protect the sperm from the female's internal environment or from other males' sperm.

Spermatophores are found in a diverse array of animals, including many species of mollusks, arthropods (like insects, crustaceans, and arachnids), and some annelids. In some cases, such as in octopuses, the spermatophore is a highly specialized structure. The female may store the spermatophore for later use, fertilizing her eggs internally. The mechanics of spermatophore transfer and uptake are often complex and species-specific, involving specialized male and female reproductive organs.